Beginners Guide

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1

Day

CHANGE THE WAY YOU SHOP
“In any given moment we have two options, step
forward into growth or step back into safety.”

Get ready to change the way
you shop, the way you eat, the
way you plan meals, the way you
approach shopping, and where
you go to uncover the best
deals. Now’s the time to
say goodbye to the old
ways and welcome
in the new!
We know starting a
new way of life isn’t always comfortable, but
what we can promise is that
it’s worth it. It starts with a change
of mentality and ends with a new
sense of freedom. So let’s get
started.

• Weekly menu planning with its
accompanying list of groceries to
be purchased regardless of price
• Huge monthly shopping trips to
the local wholesale club, gallonsized jars of mayonnaise, and a total that leaves you picking your
jaw up off the floor
• Kleenex boxes placed
strategically in the bathroom because you’re out of
toilet paper . . . again
• Full-priced retail purchases, outrageous shipping fees, and overpriced, last-minute gift giving

Say hello to:

Say goodbye to:
• Late afternoon runs to the grocery store to pick up those last
minute dinner ingredients

“Say Goodbye to the
good old days, and
welcome in a whole
new life!”
2

• Cooking meals according to what’s on sale
• Visiting a couple of different stores to save
50-90%

“Get comfortable
with being
uncomfortable!”

• Shopping with coupons while a product is
on sale and stocking up while it’s cheap or
free
• Eliminating last minute trips to the store
because everything you need will be right at
your fingertips -- thanks to your stockpile!
• Saving over 50% when you shop online
thanks to coupon codes and discounted retailers.

Are you feeling it? Are you ready to change old
habits? Can you envision a new life of coupons
and money-saving mania? Then jump on board
and move on to Day 2: Show Me the Coupons.
Read More: Now Convince Your Partner!

3

2

Day

SHOW ME THE COUPONS
“Nearly 3 billion coupons were redeemed in 2013.”

The number one question people
ask when they see how much I save
is, “Where do you find all the
coupons?” It’s really not a secret.
They’re everywhere! Once you start
paying attention, you’ll be
amazed at the number,
variety, and sheer
volume of
coupons
available. In
today’s digital
age, it’s even
easier. So hang on tight and
get ready to be blown away.

coupon, why not get four of them?
Getting more than one newspaper
allows you to do just that.

1.

• Do you offer a Sunday-only or
weekend-only subscription?

Newspaper Inserts

The best place to find coupons is in
the Sunday paper. There are three
different inserts that come out on a
regular basis: Smart Source (SS), Red
Plum (RP) and Procter & Gamble
(PG). Now here’s the BIG secret: to
become a Krazy Coupon Lady (or
Gent), you’ll want to get your hands
on two to four copies of each of
these coupon inserts. Sounds a bit
bizarre, but the way to save krazy
money is to buy multiple products
when they’re at rock bottom prices.
So when deodorant is free with a
5

So how do you get the Sunday
paper? The most conventional way
is through a subscription. The
first step to finding a
subscription is to call
your local paper’s
circulation department
and ask the following
questions:
• Which of the three coupon
inserts does your paper carry?

• Do you offer any discount if I
order multiple copies of your
Sunday paper?
Read More: 8 Ways to Get More Newspapper
Coupons!

“Even in this digital age,
more than 89 percent of all
coupons distributed are in
paper form.”

Want the coupon inserts but don’t want to pay? Less conventional
methods are just as effective. Ask friends, neighbors, or co-workers
to save their coupons for you. Talk to local business owners or
convenience stores and ask if you can have their unsold papers at
the end of the week. Or, my personal favorite, try your hand (or
feet!) at dumpster diving in a newspaper-only recycle bin!
Now, if purchasing the Sunday
paper is just too much of an
upfront investment, don’t fret.
You can still get your hands on
enough coupons to save a
significant amount. They’re
printable, and they’re free.
Read on!

2. Printable Coupons
Printable coupons are starting
to take over the coupon world. From Coupons.com to Facebook to
manufacturer websites, you’ll find them in more places than you’d
ever imagine. The best part about it: they’re free. That’s right! You
pay nothing at all. You just access the coupon, click, and print.
Sounds too good to be true--but it’s not. Manufacturers use
coupons to incentivize shoppers to buy their products. So giving
consumers a way to access coupons for free is a win-win situation
for everyone.
As a bit of reassurance, printing coupons from your home
computer is safe and easy! The first time you print from any source,
you’ll be required to download quick and safe software. After the
software is installed, printing coupons is just a click away!
6

Now, you’re probably wondering
where you go to find all of these
“In 2013, shoppers
free printable coupons. If they’re
redeemed more
everywhere, where do you start?
than 66 million digital
Best news ever:
coupons — a 141
TheKrazyCouponLady.com has
percent increase over
done all of the work for you. In
the previous year.”
fact, we’ve compiled the most upto-date, comprehensive, inclusive
printable coupon database on the web.
You’ll find over 2,000 printable coupons
just waiting at your fingertips. All you have to do is
click and print. And don’t forget, you can print most
coupons twice. So that 2,000 number just doubled!
Imagine the savings! Side note: remember, it’s illegal to
photocopy coupons!
Read More: How to Print More Coupons!
Read More: Is it Safe to Print Coupons from My Computer?

3. Mobile Coupons
Now don’t stop at the newspaper and the
printables; there’s a new way to save that’s even
easier and faster. Introducing…….mobile
coupons! Mobile coupons have emerged in the
last couple of years and are now a force to be
reckoned with. If you’re going to start couponing,
you can’t forget about these. No legit krazy
couponer would ever ignore the power of a
mobile coupon.
7

So what in the world is a mobile
coupon? It’s just as it sounds. It’s a
coupon you get through your
“mobile” phone. That’s right.
Thanks to today’s digital age, you
don’t even have to touch these with
your fingertips. No clipping. No
filing. Simply open up an app on
your phone, click around, and voila!
Money saved!

Ibotta: Earn Cash Using the Ibotta App
Checkout 51: The Power of Checkout 51
Cartwheel: Tips on Using Target’s Cartwheel
Shopmium: Get Paid to Shop with Shopmium!

4. eCoupons

Yes, there’s still one more way to
get coupons. As crazy and
Programs and apps like Ibotta,
intimidating as it sounds--don’t
Checkout 51, Cartwheel,
worry-- eCoupon is just a
Shopmium, and more
shortened word for
allow you to
electronic coupon.
download
These coupons are
Want more coupons? Have
coupons to your
loaded onto your
a favorite product you
phone and
store loyalty card
rarely find coupons for?
redeem cash
via your phone or
back savings
Learn How to get more
computer. Several
after you’ve
coupons straight from the
grocery stores
purchased a
have eCoupon
manufacturer.
product. This is a
programs, like
great way to save-Safeway, Kroger, and
especially for the busiest
Publix to name a few.
of us all. It’s so easy that it would
To access eCoupons, head to your
be crazy to overlook.
store site, register, add your card
To learn all of the specifics, read a
number to your account, peruse
bit more about each app!
the coupons, click the ones you
8

want, and load them to your card. To redeem, just swipe your card at
checkout, and the discount is automatically deducted from your balance.

5. Coupon Codes
Although so much of what we focus on here at TheKrazyCouponLady.com
is how to save at the grocery store, no krazy
couponer would forget to apply those same
principles to every other purchase they
make. So naturally, we can’t talk about
coupons without mentioning the ultimate
Check out our coupon
way to save online: the almighty coupon
database here! You’ll find a
code.

complete list of newspaper

coupons, printable
Coupon codes can be found for almost
anything and everything. Think dollar-off
coupons, mobile coupons
discounts, free products, percentages off,
and more!
and free shipping. The key: just look around.
Keep your eyes peeled, Google search, and, of
course, come to us for the latest and greatest retail
deals. We know the best places to look, sites with the steepest discounts,
and all of the secrets to lowering that final price.
Read More: Find Coupons In Stores to Save Even More!

So where do you find all the coupons? Now you know the answer. Get a
newspaper subscription. Start printing coupons at home. Turn on that cell
phone. Check out your store site. And peruse the Internet.

9

Soon you’ll be ready to slash your grocery bill in half! And if you’re still
questioning whether you really need to subscribe to multiple copies of
the Sunday paper, the answer is YES! Still unsure? Start small by finding
deals that utilize printable coupons only. When you start to see the
savings potential, you’ll be convinced that subscribing to a few copies of
the Sunday paper will pay for itself on your first shopping trip.
Showed you the coupons! Now let’s go to Day 3: Get Organized!

10

3

Day

GET ORGANIZED
“Organization isn’t about perfection. It’s about
efficiency, reducing stress & clutter, saving time
& money and improving your overall quality of
life.”

Sunday coupon inserts are piling up on the counter. Coupons litter the
floor of your car. You know you saw a coupon for laundry detergent, but
where is it now? Organizing your coupons will either make or break your
couponing experience. So buckle down. It’s time to
talk organization!
When it comes to getting all of those little slips of
paper organized, there are a few different
methods you could employ. We used to tout the
binder method as the one and only way. Don’t
worry--it’s still a legit option. But for those of you
on a time crunch and who need to save money
fast, here’s our newest preferred method: the file
box.

FILE BOX METHOD
Introducing the compact, easy-to-use, featherweight file box.
All you do is:
• Get a box--make sure it’s divided on the inside
by either folders or tabs.
• Pull all of the inserts out of the
newspaper and plop them in a file folder.
• Label each tab or folder with the date
and name of the insert. Since we list the
coupons with this info, it’ll make finding
them a cinch. For example, when you see
this coupon matched up with a sale on
Yoplait at Target, you’ll know it came from
12

Check out our video on
Implementing the File
Box Method!

the June 8th SmartSource insert.
$0.40/6 – Yoplait Yogurt Cups from SS 6/8
Voila! You’re organized.
It takes almost no time and keeps all of your coupons in one easy-toreach place. When it’s time to shop and you’re ready to go with list in
hand, just pull out the insert, clip the coupons, and head to the store. It
does take a bit more time to prep for your trip. You will have to cut and
organize before you leave. But it’s literally the fastest way to keep
organized!

BINDER METHOD
Of course, if you’re a little more extreme, have more
time, or just have a stronger desire to be organized, you
can always use the binder method. Although it takes up
more time initially, it’s still a noteworthy way to stay
organized.
So without further ado: let’s talk about the heavy, the
organized, the indispensible Krazy Coupon Lady Binder!
There are two great and effective ways to organize your
binder.
1.

Organize by Category

Organizing by category takes more time up front, less time shopping,
and at one time was the most popular method amongst Krazy Ladies
polled on our website. It requires a few hours of time each week to clip
and organize all your coupons. For example, I used to spend an hour to

13

90 minutes on a Sunday evening.
But it made shopping in
the store a
breeze!

Preparing for your trip is quick
and easy because your
coupons are already
clipped and organized.
Plus, when you find a
clearance item in the
Check out our video
store, it only takes a
on Starting Your
second to flip to the
Binder!
right category and find
the coupon you need.

What you’ll
do is use
baseball
card
holders to
store the
clipped
coupons.
You’ll need about
60 pages, and these
typically run about $5 for a
package of 25. For example, here’s
a deal on Amazon:
Ultra Pro 25/9 Page Protectors

After you’ve purchased your card
holders, feel free to use the Krazy
Coupon Lady’s Printable Table of
Contents and Category Pages to
further perfect your organization.
Download here!

With each coupon in its own slot
in the right category, shopping
becomes heavenly.
14

2. Organize by Date
Don’t want to clip all your coupons
every Sunday? Try organizing by
date. This method is similar to the
File Box Method in that you won’t
clip any coupons until you use
them. But it differs in that you will
spend a small amount of time
separating the pages of the
inserts and filing each page into a
separate sheet protector. This way
you can still see every coupon.
As far as materials, all it requires
is a bunch of sheet protectors.
Across the top of each insert page,
write the name and date of the
Sunday paper it was published in,
and slide it into the sheet

protector. It’s fast and easy and
still allows you to see all of the
coupons without having to clip
them.
Organizing by date takes less time
up front but more time preparing
for your shopping trip. A Krazy
Coupon Lady will throw away at
least three-fourths of her
coupons, so this method saves
you from clipping unnecessarily.
But it makes for one fat binder, so
beware!

How to Begin Organizing –
Both Methods
To get started with the binder
method of organizing, simply
follow these steps:

• Staple together all of page
one, then page two, etc.
• Now, if you’re organizing by
date, write the date on each
stapled set and put into a clear
plastic sheet protector. If you’re
organizing by category, clip
multiple coupons at once (careful
not to damage bar codes or
expiration dates) and slip into
baseball card holders in
corresponding categories.
Now your organization is
complete, and you’re ready for the
real fun: how and when to use
your coupons. Come on over to
Day 4: Timing Is Everything.

• Tear the inserts apart, page
by page, careful not to ruin
barcodes.
• Since you’ll have multiple
copies of each insert, spread one
entire insert out on the table.
Follow by tearing apart the next
insert, stacking identical pages
together.
15

March

3

4

Day

TIMING IS EVERYTHING
“Success is simple. Do what's right, the right
way, at the right time.”

With your newly organized
coupon binder in hand, you’re
ready to discover the secret to
Krazy Couponing success: Timing!
Like they say, timing really is
everything!
Have you ever taken a coupon to
the store, intending to save on
some name brand product, only to
find that the generic is still
cheaper? Couponing
success is less about what
coupons you have and
more about when you
use them.
We’re not about
taking a $0.25
coupon and
redeeming it on a full
priced product. All that
saves you is a quarter for 15
minutes of your time. What we’re
talking about is using that coupon
in conjunction with a store coupon
and a promotion to get a product
for free. By waiting for the right
time, that $0.25 coupon has the
potential to save you hundreds of
dollars. After all, the potential is in
the patience!
So now we’ll walk you through a
few different ways to turn those
17

coupons into money-saving
machines!
1.

Match Coupons with Sales
and Promotions
One of the biggest mistakes you
can make is using a coupon just
because you have it. The key is to
wait until that item goes on sale,
you find a store or mobile coupon
to go with it, or the store runs a
promotion. Nearly all stores run a
weekly ad with newly slashed
prices and great promotions like:
Buy One Get One Free or
Spend $15 on these
products, Get $5 Back or
Buy 4, Save $4 Instantly.
When you’re sure the item is
marked at a bargain price or
the promotion is too good to
pass up, then add a coupon on
top of it, and you’ve just scored an
amazing deal!

2. Stack Your Coupons
Stacking simply means using one
manufacturer coupon and one store
coupon on the same item.
Remember, you can never use two
manufacturer coupons on one item.
Stores like Target, Walgreens,
Kroger, Rite Aid and Safeway, just
to name a few, all issue store

coupons and allow them to be stacked with a manufacturer coupon. But
the stacking doesn’t have to stop there. Sign up for apps like Ibotta and
Checkout 51, and increase your savings by earning cash
back on purchases. These apps are much like rebates.
After you purchase, enter the info and get more
money back. So see? If you stack all three kinds
of coupons together, you increase your savings
dramatically.

Watch our video:
Tricks for Using

3. Double Coupons

Store and

You’ve probably heard about stores that
Manufacturer
“double” coupons, meaning they accept your
coupon at twice the face value. So, for example,
Coupons Together!
if a coupon is $0.50 off one item, the store will
honor that coupon at $1.00 off. This is becoming
rare, and rules are changing, but it does still exist. If you
find a store that doubles or is having a doubling promotion, jump
on it. This is an amazing way to save big.
Read More: Double Coupons: 5 Frequently Asked Questions!

4. The Krazy Coupon Lady’s Perfect Storm
The absolute perfect scenario occurs when more
than one of the above “couponing stars” aligns.
Imagine: a Buy One Get One store promo + a
manufacturer coupon + an Ibotta offer!
That’s right. The savings just tripled. In
fact, that’s exactly how you end up
bringing items home for free, or
better yet, how you leave the store
with more money in your pocket
than you started with!
18

Now, you might be thinking, “Great. How do I know when a product will go
on sale? How do I keep track of every store promotion?” The great news:
we’ve done all the work, and it’s waiting for you at
TheKrazyCouponLady.com. Each week we take a store’s weekly ad and
match up the sale items and promotions to the current coupons. Plus, we
even go into the stores and search the aisles for deals that don’t make it to
the ad. We really are doing our best to uncover every deal we can. So all
you have to do is jump on our site and look around. We’ll tell you the
product on sale, the store, the coupons to use, and the final price you’ll pay.
Easy as that!
You’re welcome! You can’t wait, can you? Jump on over to Day 5: Learn the
Lingo.

19

5

Day

LEARN THE LINGO
“Before you can walk the walk, you first have to
learn how to talk the talk!”

You might be a Krazy Coupon Lady if . . . your shopping reports sound
like complex algorithms! It’s almost laughable how ridiculous the code of
couponers is! And we admit, there’s definitely a learning curve, especially
when it comes to the lingo. Acronymns, words not found in dictionaries,
slang used by none other than binder toting shoppers definitely begins
to sound like a foreign language. To ease the learning curve and help you
talk the talk, here’s a glossary of some of the krazy abbreviations you’ll
see around TheKrazyCouponLady.com.
• $1.00/1, $2.00/1, etc: One dollar off one product, two dollars off one
product, etc.
• $1.00/2, $2.00/2, etc: One dollar off two products, two dollars off two
products, etc. You must buy 2 items to receive any savings; you cannot
redeem the coupon on one product for half the value.
• BOGO: Buy one, get one. Will usually end with “free” or “half off”
meaning buy one, get one half off, or buy one get one free.
• B1G1, B2G1: Another way to write ‘buy one, get one’. The “B” stands
for “buy”, the G stands for “get”. The numbers indicate how many of a
product you must buy to qualify and the number of products you get
when you redeem the coupon or offer. B1G1= Buy one, get one.
B2G1= Buy two, get one B2G2= Buy two, get two
• Blinkie: Manufacturer coupons dispensed by coupon machines found
in grocery aisles next to products. Recognize them by the blinking red
light. Dispenses coupons one at a time in intervals. Manufacturer
blinkie coupons may be redeemed at any store, not necessarily the
store in which you found them.

21

• Catalina: Sometimes abbreviated as “CAT”, Catalina coupon machines
located at register, dispense long receipt-like coupons that may be used
on a future purchase. Catalinas, refer to the coupons themselves which
may be manufacturer or store coupons. Some Catalina coupons are
advertised and some are generated based on consumer behavior.
• Coupon Insert: Coupon circulars inserted into Sunday newspapers
amongst the other advertisements. Smart Source (SS), Red Plum (RP)
and Procter & Gamble (PG) put out coupon inserts, sometimes just
called “inserts”. Coupon inserts are a valuable money-saving tool and
The Krazy Coupon Lady recommends buying multiple Sunday
newspapers in order to have enough coupons to create a stockpile.
• Coupon: a note from a store or manufacturer that entitles shopper to a
discount on specific product. Coupons may be clipped from the
newspaper, printed from the internet or even downloaded to your store
loyalty card. Couponing: [koo-pon-ing, Kyoo-] (v.) the practice of
redeeming discount coupons in order to save money.
• Couponer: [koo-pon-er, kyoo-] (n.) A person who collects and saves
coupons to redeem them on products, such as groceries.
• Double Coupons: Select stores always double coupons up to a certain
value, usually $0.50. If your store doubles coupons up to $0.50 off, any
coupon $0.50 or under will be doubled in value. Coupons $0.51 or
greater will be worth face value, no doubling. You do not need to
present two coupons for one item. Each coupon will be worth twice the
value. Other stores may double coupons on a particular week day,
usually a slower day like Tuesday. Other stores may offer physical store
‘twice-the-value’ coupons. Even other stores may feature double
coupons on a special promo week basis and will advertise this in their
weekly ad.
22

• eCoupons: Electronic coupons may be downloaded onto your store
loyalty card or cell phone. Download from your PC or go mobile and
download to your loyalty card through your cell phone. Grocery
coupons must be downloaded to your loyalty card and will be deducted
automatically when you swipe your card at checkout. E-coupons may
be downloaded to your cell-phone for other retail items such as movie
rentals. Download a coupon using the mobile ap and show your
discount code to your cashier.
• Extra Bucks: CVS rewards program, formerly called ECBs. Extra Bucks
print according to the store’s weekly or monthly advertised deals. When
you make a qualifying purchase, you receive the coordinating Extra
Bucks value as advertised. Extra Bucks are similar to catalinas or
register rewards, but they print directly onto the bottom of your
receipt.
• EXP: Expires or Expiration Date
• Handling Fee: Refers to an amount, usually $0.08, paid by the
manufacturer to reimburse the store for the trouble of accepting a
coupon. The handling fee is usually used to pay a clearing house to
sort, organize and bill the manufacturer. If a store chose to sort its own
coupons, they will keep the handling fee.
• KCL: Krazy Coupon Lady, refers to TheKrazyCouponLady.com
• Krazy: Intensely enthusiastic about or preoccupied with saving money
by using coupons.
• MIR: Mail in Rebate, refers to rebates which must be submitted by
mail. These are the traditional rebates that require you to mail in both
your receipt and proof of purchase in the form of UPC barcodes.

23

Manufacturer: The company who produces the brand items: Dove
soap manufacturer, Pace Salsa manufacturer, etc.
• MFR: Manufacturer abreviation.
• Manufacturer Coupon: A coupon created by the manufacturer, or by a
marketing company on the manufacturer’s behalf. Manufacturer offers
a discount to shoppers in order to entice them to buy their product.
When a coupon is redeemed the manufacturer reimburses the store
for the entire value of the coupon, plus a handling fee, aprox $0.08.
• One Coupon per Purchase: Refers to your ability to use one coupon
per item. Meant to enforce the point that you may not use two of the
exact same coupon for one item.
• One Coupon per Transaction: Limits you to only using one of this
coupon per transaction. You may request to do separate transactions.
Example: If you have 5 coupons that read “one coupon per transaction”
you may request to separate into 5 transactions and pay 5 times.
• Peelie: Adhesive manufacturer coupons found on products in the
store. Peelies are often good on a wider selection of products than the
one it is stuck to. Be sure to read the fine print on the peelie to
discover if the coupon may be used on a smaller size or different
variety of the same product, to allow you to maximize savings.
• P&G: Proctor and Gamble manufacture a wide range of consumer
goods and are one of the largest corporations in the world. Proctor
and Gamble puts out monthly coupon inserts filled with coupons for a
variety of Proctor and Gamble produced brands, just a few of which
include: Always, Bounty, Crest, Dawn, Gillette, Olay, Pampers and Tide.
• Purchase: a purchase refers to buying any item. If I buy 30 items on a
single shopping trip, I just made 30 purchases.
24

• Purchase-Based Coupon: Purchase-Based coupons specify a dollar
amount off a minimum dollar future purchase. Some common values:
$2 off $10, $3 off $15, $4 off $20. Purchase based coupons may be
used in addition to store and manufacturer coupons.
• Raincheck: A Rain Check is a written slip that you can request from a
store when a sale item is out of stock. When the store restocks the
item, after the sale period is over, a rain check entitles you to purchase
for the previous sale price. Store may include an expiration date as
well as a quantity limit on your rain check. Rain checks are usually
issued at the customer service desk.
• Rebate: A rebate is a refund of part or all of the amount paid. KCL
refers to rebates as programs that offer you cash back for making a
qualified purchase. Rebates are sponsored by a store or a
manufacturer. Either clip and mail UPC barcodes or enter receipt proof
of purchase online, then wait for your rebate check in the mail.
• RR: Register Rewards. Walgreens drugstore rewards program, and
version of the catalina coupon. Look for the same machines located at
register, dispensing long receipt-like coupons that may be used on a
future purchase. RRs cannot be ‘rolled’ like catalinas.
• Rolling Catalinas: refers to the practice of separating your purchase
into multiple transactions in order to use register catalina coupons
from your first transaction to pay for your second transaction. Another
catalina prints from the 2nd transaction that pays for the 3rd
transaction and so on.
• RP: Red Plum. Formerly known as Vallasis, Red Plum coupon inserts
and website feature coupons from a variety of manufacturers. Red
Plum is part of Valassis Interactiv.
25

• SS: Smart Source. A marketing company, like RP, Smart Source coupon
inserts and website feature coupons from a variety of manufacturers.
Smart Source is part of News America Marketing Co. Smart Source
coupon inserts can be found in most Sunday papers.
• Stacking: Stacking may refer to using any two promotions together.
When a coupon coincides with a promotion, we say “stack the coupon
with the sale or promotion”.
• Stacking Coupons: Stacking coupons refers to using both a store
coupon and a manufacturer coupon on one product. Nearly all stores
will allow you to “stack”. Only one manufacturer coupon may be used
per item.
• Stockpile (v.): to buy many items at a time in order to build your
stockpile.
• Stockpile (n.): a food storage or stash of food and non-food items.
Stockpiling is a key principle to The Krazy Coupon Lady methods. Buy
items when they’re on sale and you have a coupon. Buy products
before you need them and build up a stockpile of food and toiletries.
When you run out of an item shop from your stockpile.
• Store Coupon: A coupon created by the store to entice you to buy a
certain product at their store. Stores receive no reimbursement from
store coupons. Store coupons may be found in the weekly ad, printed
online or downloaded as e-coupons.
• Store Loyalty Card: A free card which you present at checkout to
receive additional savings. Fill out a short application to receive a
loyalty card at your local grocer. If you don’t want to carry the card, the
cashier can look up your preferred card by entering your ten digit
phone number.
26

• Transaction: a transaction refers to your entire purchase, especially the
payment you make for that purchase. If I buy 30 items and then pay
the cashier, I just made one transaction.
• Tear Pad: A pad of manufacturer coupons found near product on
shopping aisles. Tear pad manufacturer coupons may be used at any
store, not just the one where you found the coupon.
• WAGS: Abbreviation for Walgreens Drugstore
• UPC: Universal Product Code. Bar code printed on product packages
that can be scanned electronically.
• WYB: When You Buy. Some sales or coupons require purchase of
multiple items. When reporting a deal on KCL, we always include a final
price. Example: Buy 2 Mint Milano cookies $2.00 each, use 1 $1.00/2
coupons, Final Price: $1.50 each, WYB 2. You must buy 2 in order to
use the $1.00/2 coupon, so the final price states “WYB 2″.
• YNRFD6PITP: You’re Now Ready For Day 6: Power in the Policies.
Just making sure you were still paying attention!

27

6

Day

POWER IN THE POLICIES
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can
use to change the world.”

Rain Ch

eck

Now that you know how to clip,

another. In no time, you’ll be
familiar with a handful of stores,
completely confident, rocking your
coupon knowledge, and slashing
your budget.

file, organize, shop, talk the talk
and walk the walk, you’re almost
there, but you’re not done
yet! All your coupon
skills are useless
without a solid
understanding
of store
policies. After
Top 50 US Store
all, like Sir
Coupon Policies
Francis Bacon
said, “Knowledge
is Power.”
To arm yourself with the
right kind of knowledge, follow
these important steps:
1. Pick

a Store

Since couponing can be a bit
overwhelming in the beginning,
make it easier by getting to know
one store at a time. Because each
is a little different in their policies,
promotions and reward systems,
starting small enables you to
master one store policy before
moving on to the next. As soon as
you get one store down, pick
29

As a bit of advice, if
you’re unsure of
where to start, pick
Target. It has one of
the easiest policies
to understand. It’s a
super couponfriendly store. Plus,
they have extra ways
to save like store coupons
and an app called Cartwheel.
To top it off, a lot of the best deals
we publish come from Target.
Read More: How to Shop at Target

2. Get the Store Policy
Once you’ve picked your store, it’s
time to find the policy. At
TheKrazyCouponLady.com we
have gathered and published
most store policies. You can find
them on our “store” pages. If for
some reason the policy you’re
looking for is not on our site,
conduct your own search by going

to the store’s official website and entering “coupon policy” in the search bar.
Read the policy. Reread the policy. Become familiar with the policy. Print the
policy. Live by the policy.
Read More: Learn What Questions to Ask and How to Get a Policy!

3. Keep the Policy on Hand

After you’ve found the policy, be sure to print it off and keep it in your binder.
This way you’ll have it with you when you go shopping. This may sound a little
extreme, but you’ll thank us later. Time and time again we hear stories of how
fellow krazy couponers like yourself were relieved to have the store policy on
hand during checkout. Often, we couponers become more familiar with the
policy than the checkout personnel, so a hard copy becomes a lifesaver. When
a coupon is refused or a situation arises, it’s no longer your word against the
cashier’s. You’re now armed with the
corporate policy. Who can argue
with that?
Read More: 5 Tips to Make Sure Your Coupons
are Accepted at Checkout!

4. Befriend the Bigwigs

Take the time to set up a meeting
with management. If you are
serious about couponing, this really is an important step. Through experience
I’ve learned that sooner or later you will end up speaking with the manager. So
why not ensure that it happens in a controlled, peaceful environment rather
than in the midst of a controversial discussion with your cashier? Make it a
quick meeting where you simply introduce yourself, inquire into the coupon
policy, and see if there’s anything you should know about that specific store.
The manager will appreciate your efforts, and you’ll leave feeling better
30

prepared and more comfortable
couponing at that store. Hopefully,
in the end, you’ll also have a new
coupon ally.

• Make sure the coupons you
plan to use on the rain check
item won’t expire before the
store restocks.

• Don’t bother getting a
rain check for
something that
A rain check is a
is also included
certificate
“Rain Check: a ticket,
in a
provided by the
promotion
coupon, or the like, entitling
store when a
like, “Spend
a customer to purchase at a
sale item is out
$10, Save $4
later date and for the same
of stock. It
Instantly”
amount a sale item that is
authorizes you
UNLESS you
temporarily
out
of
stock.”
to come back
know the
when the item is
promotion
again in stock and buy
extends beyond
it at the sale price. So
the sale date. The
often stores run out of
rain check is valid
those amazing moneymaking
for the sale price only.
deals. Instead of shrugging your
• You cannot get a rain check on
shoulders in frustration because
clearance prices.
it’s impossible to get to the store
before the shelves are cleared, get
• When redeeming rain checks,
a rain check. Since Rain check
be courteous of your checker.
policies vary by store, it’s
Let her know beforehand that
important to learn your store’s
you have a rain check; she’ll need
rules.
to enter the amount manually.

5. Understand Store
Rain Check Policy

Rain Check Points to Consider
31

Read More: How to Request a Rain Check

By doing each of the five things we’ve listed, you’ll be armed with the
right kind of knowledge to begin your couponing adventures. The next
step actually involves taking all of this knowledge and making it happen.
So if you’re feelin’ the power, then it’s time to head on over to Day 7:
Checkout Checklist!

32

7

Day

CHECKOUT CHECKLIST
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to
success.”

To be completely honest, one of the scariest parts of couponing is the
checkout process. We’ve all been there. Imagine: you’re done shopping.
Your cart is full. Your coupons are in hand, and all you can do is stare
terrified at the checkout line. Full of anxiety, you take a deep breath and
slowly approach the counter just praying that no one will step in line behind
you. Please, let the cashier be nice.
Please, coupons don’t beep. Please,
make this quick and painless. Please, let
these deals work. Yes, we’ve all been
there, and yes, you’re normal. The good
news: there are steps to take to help
avoid that anxiety at checkout! And here
they are:
Introducing our “Seven Ways to Avoid the
Craze,” or, more simply put, “Your
Checkout Checklist!”
1. Get

Organized

Before you leave the house, make a plan of what you want to buy. Write
down the items, the prices, and the quantities. If you are doing multiple
transactions, separate the items into lists before ever leaving your house.
The more detail, the better. In fact, to help make that list building easier,
we’ve created what’s called the “Shopping List” on our site. Simply peruse
the site, and click on the checkboxes located next to the deal you’re
interested in buying. Once done, print the list. You also have the option of
saving your list in your own account and continuing the process later. After
all, we know how many sweet interruptions a mom goes through.
Once compiled and printed, you now have a comprehensive list of deals
divided by store. After your list is created, clip your coupons, place them in
an envelope or at the front of your binder, and head to the store. Keep in
mind, the easier your coupons are to access, the better.
34

Read More: Creat a Clear and Specific Shopping List

2. Choose Time of Day Wisely
The less crowded the store, the less stressed both you and your cashier will
be. Try doing eight separate transactions with 50 coupons at the 5 o’clock
rush hour! Now that’s scary--one grouchy cashier and a line of unhappy
customers behind you. I have found that early in the morning, early afternoon,
or late at night is best for me.
Read More: Best Time to Shop

3.# Make Smart Mom Moves
If you have young kids like we do, shop at a time when they are at their best-in the morning or right after naps. Checking out as a Krazy Coupon Lady is a
much longer process than you’re used to, so happy kids make a huge
difference. Bring along something to occupy their minds or a treat to occupy
their tummies!

4. Shop with a Friend
Friends make everything more fun. You can help each other at checkout, share
coupons, and even stick up for each other if need be. Friends minimize the
anxiety and maximize the success. So recruit a friend and tag-team coupon.

5. Befriend Your Cashier
Talk to your cashier before you even start. Greet him
and let him know you will be using coupons. Ask if
there is a certain way he would prefer to take your
coupons. If you’re planning several transactions,
ask if this lane is okay. Be appreciative and kind.
Hopefully, the cashier will reciprocate this
behavior. With that said, don’t be afraid to profile. I
always scan all the checkers and decide who I think is
going to be the most coupon-friendly. Personally, I
35

have had the best luck with younger, male checkers. Once you become a
regular at a store, you’ll know whom to choose.

6.# Ask for Management
Often you know more about the store coupon policy than the checkers do,
so don’t be afraid to nicely ask for a manager. Many times, I have had
management called, and it ends with the checker saying, “Huh! I never
knew that!” The key here: be nice!

7.# Carry the Store Coupon Policy
We said it once on Day 6, but we’ll say it again ‘cause it’s that important.
The reason you went through the trouble of getting and printing the store
policy in the first place was to educate yourself. Secondly, it was to let it do
the talking at the register. With the policy on hand, you’re armed. So keep it
close at all times!

With these seven steps, you’re much more
likely to check out with ease! Say goodbye
to the shakes and the nervous sweats,
approach the counter with your head held
high, and coupon with confidence.
Now let’s get these groceries home and
start ourselves a stockpile. See Day 8:
Stockpiling Sense

36

8

Day

STOCKPILING SENSE
“A woman that does not think or plan ahead will
find trouble right at her door.”

I have said it before, and I will
say it again: I would not coupon if I
couldn’t get multiple items at a
time. This is why we tell you to get
multiple copies of the newspaper or
print two of each printable coupon.
The sense behind it: by stockpiling
while something is at a rock bottom
price, you won’t have to pay full
price when you run out and have to
have it. The best part about it is
that you can apply this principle to
both grocery and retail. Read on!

UNDERSTAND THE
PRINCIPLE
Have you ever purchased a child’s
coat from a clearance rack in March
at a larger size for the next winter?
If you have, then you’ve already had
experience in stockpiling! By
purchasing that jacket in March,
you easily saved 75% on what
you’d pay the following October.
You thought ahead and purchased
a discounted product knowing
you’ll need it in the future. Retail
stockpiling at its finest.
Now take that “buy ahead”
principle and apply it to the grocery
store! Buy three bottles of mustard
38

when they’re nearly free, knowing
that in the next few months you’ll
likely run out. You now just saved
yourself from purchasing a full
priced bottle down the road--not to
mention another trip to the store!
Stockpiling really is the smartest
and only way to maximize your
couponing savings. But it doesn’t
mean you have to go overboard.
We’ve all heard the argument that
couponers are much like hoarders.
How wrong that statement is! We
loudly and adamantly proclaim a
huge difference: we couponers are
reasonable and responsible.

DO IT RESPONSIBLY
Stockpiling responsibly is what will
make the difference in your budget.
Key word: responsibly. We don’t

“A bargain isn’t a
bargain unless it’s
something you need.”

advocate buying 40 bottles of TUMS or 60 tubes
of Fixodent just because they’re super cheap.
After all, there’s no sense in spending money,
even a small amount, on things that you don’t
need or will go to waste. So in order for
stockpiling to really save you money, you
must be reasonable.

So let’s talk about how much one family should
acquire. This decision should be based on the
number of people in your home and the amount of
space available. Take some time to think strategically.
Decide where you’ll store your stockpile. Think about
expiration dates and use. And then start small and stay focused. I suggest
you aim for, at minimum, a three-month supply. Of course, for
nonperishables like detergent and cleaning supplies, feel free to think
farther ahead.
Just remember that although couponing can be fun and addicting, it’s
important to exercise restraint when necessary.

KNOW WHEN TO STOCK UP
Often pre-couponers haven’t paid close attention to prices,
which makes it hard to know when a sale price is red hot or
only lukewarm. But don’t worry. We promise after six
months of couponing, you’ll be shocked at how many
prices you’ll know offhand. You’ll see a price and know
exactly whether to stock up or not.
To help get there, build a price list. Whether you write it
down or keep it in your head like I do, try to begin paying
attention to the prices of the foods you buy most often.
Of course, we won’t leave you to yourself to figure this
out. On our site we indicate whether or not something qualifies as a “StockUp” price. Watch for these “Stock-Up” icons on
39

Try something new.
Chance are you’ll enjoy
it more than you think.

TheKrazyCouponLady.com. When
you see this icon , it means that
the price is good enough to buy a
three to six month supply. When
you see this icon , it means the
price is so hot that it’s worthy of
buying a six month supply or more.
Even better, download our new
stock-up price list here:
Stock-up Price List download

Feel free to carry it with you at the
store to help determine whether
you should stock up. Keep in mind,
prices vary by store and by region.
So use it more as a basic guideline
rather than a hard rule.

SHIRK BRAND LOYALTY
In order for stockpiling to be most
effective there is one thing you
must do: Shirk brand loyalty.

40

Your couponing efforts will be much
more successful if you can buy
whatever brand is cheapest. With
that said, everyone is allowed to
stay brand loyal to a few items—
you don’t have to give up
everything you love—but be open
to trying other name brands.

MORE REASONS TO
STOCKPILE
Still not convinced? Need more
reasons? Well, besides saving
money, here are six more reasons
that stockpiling really does make
sense:
1. In case of catastrophe. No one

likes to think it will ever happen to
us, but why not be prepared and
even in a position to help others?

2. In case of job loss. With the
current economy, this isn’t too farfetched for many of us, and a
stockpile will help bridge the gap
until a new job is found.
3. In case food prices skyrocket.
There are many unpredictable
problems that can affect the price
and availability of food. Your
stockpile can buffer you from
fluctuating prices.
4. In case gas prices go through the
roof. Sound familiar? This hits home
for most of us. It’s obvious that the
price of oil directly affects the price
of food. Again, your stockpile saves
you from panicking over those
rising prices.
5. For the spontaneous cook inside
of you. On a happier note, having a
variety of food on hand allows you
to whip up a meal or treat just
because you can. You’ll never be
making those last minute dashes to
the store for that one missing
ingredient!
6. For peace of mind. Essentially,
this is the whole reason to
stockpile: being able to tell fear and
anxiety to hit the road. Knowing
you’re prepared for whatever the
future holds is priceless.
41

Look at you—making excuses to go
out to the garage just to look at
those beautifully stocked shelves!
Pull up a camp chair, and let’s talk
about Day 9: Make KCL a Way of
Life.

Day

9

MAKING KCL A WAY OF LIFE
“It’s all about quality of life and finding a healthy
balance.”

When I first started couponing, I was so excited about all the
money I was saving that I thought I needed to cash in on EVERY
deal at EVERY store! I was shopping at Albertsons, Walgreens,
Walmart, Target, and occasionally Kmart. And this
was on a weekly basis! Obviously, it didn’t
take long before I was completely burned
out. Not to mention, my kids would spot
the “Big Red Bulls-Eye” and burst into
tears. Okay, that might be an
“Another key to finding
exaggeration, but you get the point.

balance in couponing is to

In order to make KCL a way of life,
you must achieve balance and figure
out a way to work it into your
everyday life. To get there, remember
the following:
1. Start

remind yourself that this
most likely isn’t the last time
you will see products at this
price.”

Slow

Here I go again repeating myself. I’ve said it
once, but I’ll say it again: learn one store at a time.
The easiest way to choose a store is to pick what is closest to your
house. You’ll be going there often, so it makes sense to find a store
nearby. Again, Target is our store of choice to start with--that is, if it’s
nearby. There are just so many amazing ways to save, and they
happen to be super coupon friendly. It’s a good place to start if you
want our expert advice!

43

2. Remember: Sales Cycle
Another key to finding balance in
couponing is to remind yourself that
sales cycle. When you see an
amazing deal, no need to drop
everything, abandon your family,
and rush out the door in a frantic
mess. Instead, realize that you’ll
most likely see a similar sale on that
same product in a few months. I
wish I would have known this as a
newbie. It would have saved me so
much time, energy, and sanity.
The industry standard for coupon
and sale cycles is three to four
months. On lots of products, like
Kraft and General Mills, the cycle is
more often than that.
Watch our video on sales cylces!
Read More:: How to be a Coupon Psychic
Learn about Grocery Sale Cycles from The
Krazy Coupon Ladies!

sake of purchasing. No need to go
there, people. Of course, you could
pick up a few
things to
donate. But
don’t do
what I once did
and buy 20 boxes
of extra fiber oatmeal
just because they were
free. My kids’ stomachs did
not agree, and there they sat in my
garage for ages.

4. Set Limits
No husband and no kids want to
become second to a krazy
couponing mom. Prioritize. Set a
time limit. Figure out how to
incorporate savings into a
reasonable amount of time each
week, and stick to it. After all,
moderation is key to maintenance.

5. Inhale, Relax and Enjoy
3. Buy What You Need
Often we get so wrapped up in a
good deal that we purchase for the

44

When done right, couponing not
only becomes a way of life but it
becomes a hobby - fun, enjoyable,
thrilling, and rewarding! So treat it
as such and enjoy!

By mastering the above, you can
easily incorporate this moneysaving phenomenon into your life.
The good news: it won’t stop with
groceries. Pretty soon those
money-saving strategies will bleed
over into other areas of your life.
Soon you’ll be:

• Starting a gift stockpile so you’ll
never overpay for birthday
presents, wedding gifts, teacher
gifts and more
• Mastering the art of apps to enjoy
rebates and earn rewards

• Using coupon codes to save big
and avoid shipping fees on every
online purchase

The lists goes on and on. That’s the
great thing about KCL. It really does
become a way of life when done
right. It has the power to transform
the way you shop, spend, save, and
earn. Soon your budget will have a
cushion, and you’ll be breathing
easy.

• Uncovering new online retailers
that offer name brands at over 75%
off

Now inhale……and relax. Let’s
wrap this all up at Day 10: Pay It
Forward.

• Stockpiling kids’ clothes by
shopping end-of-season clearance
racks and buying a size or two up

• Enjoying free kids’ activities like
free bowling in the summer and free
workshops at The Home Depot
• Finding free Redbox codes to
create family fun time for free
• Treating your family to a night out
at a restaurant for only $4
• Getting the kids ready to go back
to school for just pennies by
strategically shopping multiple
stores to get school supplies and
backpacks for free

45

10
PAY IT FORWARD
“Now’s your chance to be part of the ripple
affect.”

DONATION
BOX

Couponing has blessed my life in
ways I never imagined. Sure, my
cupboards are stocked. Yes, my
bank account is happy, and my
budget has a cushion. And, of
course, it’s nice to afford things I
couldn’t in the past. But there’s
another thing this KCL way of life
has done for me. It’s given me the
opportunity to pay it forward in
more ways than one.

DONATE
Even though my garage is fully
stockpiled with all that my family
needs, I haven’t backed down on
couponing. The newspapers keep
coming, my binder is still full, and
my eyes are forever on the lookout
for those irresistible deals. When I
see free toothpaste and deodorant
or $0.50 cereal, I never pass them
up. I purchase them with another
plan in mind. They won’t end up on
the shelves in my garage but in the
hands of someone in need. Local
food banks, women and children’s
shelters, and nursing homes are
just a few of the places I visit.
Recently I was able to donate over
300 pounds of food to my local
food bank. I was also able to
donate over $1000 worth of
47

product to the IRC for refugees in
my local city. What an amazing
opportunity! Couponing has given
me the gift of giving. I’ve been able
to share the love, help people
survive, and lighten others’ loads.

EDUCATE
As amazing as it is to make
donations, there’s an equally
important way I’ve been able to pay
it forward. It’s illustrated in one of
my favorite Chinese proverbs. “Give
a man a fish, and you feed him for a
day. Teach a man to fish, and you
feed him for a lifetime.” I like to say,
“Give a woman a basket of food,
and feed her for a
day. Give a
woman a
lesson
on

“Give a woman a basket of
food and feed her for a
day. Give a woman a lesson
on couponing and feed her
family for a lifetime.”

“I save $10,000 a year on
groceries all because I
know how to use my
coupons!”

couponing, and feed her family for
a lifetime!” It has been incredible to
watch people transform their own
lives by implementing the simple
principles of couponing. Story after
story flood my email of positive
change and life-altering hope
brought into lives just because of
coupons. What a gift it is to be able
to teach others how to save money,
how to feed their families on
pennies, and how to take control in
their lives.
Change is powerful, and it’s
happening all over the nation
because of coupons! In a very real
way, couponing has
the power to
transform your
life too. I save
$10,000 a year on
groceries all because I
know how to use my
coupons! Yes, it takes a
48

little work, a bit of extra time, and
some planned effort, but the results
are amazing. Eliminate your debt,
build a financial reserve, create a
stockpile loaded with all your
needs, and gain the opportunity to
pay it forward. What more could
you want?
Now head on over to
TheKrazyCouponLady.com to get
started. You’re just one click away
from a brand new life!
Go now!



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